Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Nissan 200SX replacement on the backburner

Nissan has apparently delayed the appearance of its replacement for the excellent 200SX coupe until the world's economy gets back on its feet.

Reports from Europe say the Japanese carmaker has signed off on the car it will aim at the Mazda MX-5, Honda CR-Z and the Toyota MR2.

The unnamed open-top, rear-wheel-drive two-seater takes its styling cues from the 370Z coupe - which arrives in New Zealand next month - and Nissan's Urge concept, seen at the 2006 Detroit motor show.

Nissan hasn't had a presence in the mid-range sector of the sports car market since production of the rear-drive 200SX ended in 1998. The new model is likely to be powered by a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine delivering around 150kW and with claimed fuel economy of 8 litres/100km (35mpg).

Expect a zero to 100km/h time of around six seconds and a top speed of 220km/h. Word from Europe is that the new model will be in showrooms by 2011 - that's if the recovery kicks in by the end of 2009.

While Nissan has its car on the backburner, German carmaker Audi has ditched plans for the storming diesel-engined version of its R8 supercar.

Top brass have confirmed that the V12-powered project has been halted.

The German carmaker claims the cost of re-engineering the petrol R8 to accommodate the diesel engine is too great to recoup its investment through sales alone.

Tests showed the 5.5-litre diesel R8 prototype produced 375kW and 1001Nm of torque and powered from zero to 100km/h in four seconds.

It was inspired by Audi's R10 Le Mans racer.

But reworking the R8's aluminium spaceframe chassis to shoehorn the V12 engine and its twin turbochargers into the engine bay blew out the boundaries of Audi's budget.

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How to Shop for an Electric Car

Things are changing all the time even in the auto industry. Electric cars used to be something of fantasy and now we need to know how to shop for an electric car. Although the electric cars are not readily available everywhere, they are becoming more popular and more sought after every day. Apply some of the following suggestions to help you in your process of shopping for an electric car.

Research the available information about electric cars. You need to be an informed consumer in order to properly shop for an electric car. Check consumer report websites and publications for the top rated electric vehicles. These publications will break down the electric cars by various categories such as price, size, miles per gallon and speed abilities while running on electricity. Be sure to compare their other features such as seating capacity, storage space, safety features and maintenance reports. Keep in mind that a hybrid version of a standard model vehicle usually runs at least $3,000 more than its non-hybrid version.

Shop the car dealerships for their featured electric cars. Lexus now offers a hybrid in its 440h (hybrid), which is marketed to be a luxury, but sporty, utility vehicle. Ford has done well with its Escape Hybrid, its smallest sports utility vehicle. There is quite a bit of price difference between the Lexus and the Ford, so it shows that there are hybrids or electric capacity cars out there for every budget. As the electric cars are relatively new on the market, there may be only one per dealership. You may have to work with a sales person to order the electric car you have decided to purchase.

Attend auto shows in major cities. At the auto shows, you will see other electric cars or hybrids in addition to the previously described Lexus and Escape. You will be able to view a Honda Prius hybrid and the new Chevrolet Volt hybrid. Also, look to see some of the up and coming hybrids being shown such as the Honda Accord hybrid, Honda Civic hybrid and the Toyota Camry hybrid. It shows that many car manufacturers are jumping on the hybrid or electric car bandwagon and making hybrid versions of popular sedan styles. If you like what you see, you can probably make a deal right on the spot.

Browse online and Internet websites for options on buying an electric car as well. This is a great source to use if your local dealership does not have the type electric car in stock. You just might find it across the country somewhere and have it shipped right to your front door.

Shop for electric cars by your need for one. If your need for an electric car is only to move around your property or your own neighborhood, then you should consider the "original" electric car known as the "golf cart."